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EarnFare

What is the purpose of this program?

EarnFare is designed to provide adults who receive SNAP benefits and who volunteer an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, earn cash assistance, and become self-sufficient.

Noncustodial Parent (NCP) EarnFare is designed for unemployed parents who do not have custody of their children, when their children receive TANF. It provides these parents with an opportunity to gain work experience and to meet a portion of their child support obligation.

Who can receive these services?

NCP EarnFare serves unemployed parents who do not have custody of their children, when their children receive TANF and they are unable to financially support them. Participants may or may not be receiving SNAP. Participation in NCP Earnfare is ordered by the court.

What services are offered?

Participants are provided an orientation and a complete assessment to determine supportive service needs, such as transportation. Participants are assigned to an Earnfare position to gain skills to help them become employable.

EarnFare participants work off the value of their SNAP Benefits at the prevailing minimum wage and then have the opportunity to work additional hours to earn up to $294 per month.

NCP EarnFare participants work at the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, to provide a $50 child support payment to the custodial parent. Through additional work hours, they can earn up to $244 per month.

Participation is limited to six (6) months out of any twelve (12) consecutive months (July-June).

How are the services provided?

The Department contracts directly with for profit and nonprofit public and private employers, community-based organizations, and local governmental units. Participants are referred by the DHS Family Community Resource Centers. Service providers may also recruit participants and coordinate their participation in the program with the DHS Family Community Resorce Center. NCP Earnfare participation is ordered by the courts.

Use the DHS Office Locator to locate your local Family Community Resource Center or contact the DHS Help Line at 1 800 843-6154 (voice) or 1 800 447-6404 (TTY)